Namibian National Oral Health Survey: Dental Caries and Treatment Need

Background: Namibia is the country with 14 regions and a population of about 2 million. The population distribution is skewed with the northern part more densely populated and this poses different challenges in different regions. The first national oral health survey was conducted in January 2010 with the aim of contributing to oral health knowledge. Aim: To establish a baseline for future monitoring and evaluation, contribute to the revision of the oral health policy and planning of interventions. Objectives: To determine the dental caries status and treatment needs of adults and children.   Methods: Cluster, random, stratified samples were drawn from children in age groups: 4- to 5-years, 6-years, 12-years and 15-years and adults aged between 34-45 and 65-74 years. The survey was conducted WHO oral health survey questionnaire used for dental caries and treatment needs. The survey was carried out by trained, calibrated dentists. Results: 57% of 5-6-year-olds were caries-free and 41.9% required treatment. More than two thirds (61%) of 12-year-olds and 55% of 15 year olds are caries-free and the unmet treatment need (UTN) was 88.7% and 89.6% respectively. 33.4% of 35-44-year-olds were caries-free with an UTN of 69.2%. Only 7.8% of 65-74-year-olds are caries-free. Conclusion: Although caries levels could be regarded as low in terms of the WHO classification, the high levels of untreated caries are a cause for concern. It is recommended that community water fluoridation be implemented together with other options like fluoridated toothpaste in combination with fissure sealants to achieve optimal oral health. Every effort should be made to encourage and promote the positive dietary habits of the population (for example limiting the frequency of cariogenic snacks and drinks) through aggressive oral health education, anti-sugar policies and increasing taxation.